Austin had been rumoured to be the leading candidate for the vacant Blue Bombers job.

Austin had completed his contract after last season and is about to sign a new long-term deal.

With Austin out of the picture, the Blue Bombers are expected to focus their head coaching search on one of either Calgary defensive co-ordinator Denny Creehan, Montreal offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry or former Ottawa defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall.

Former Ottawa head coach Joe Paopao, who at one point had been considered a candidate for the Winnipeg job, will be announced as early as today as the new offensive co-ordinator of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.